Holiday houses & accommodation in Kakadu

Getting to Your Kakadu Accommodation

Alice Springs and Darwin are the two main flight hubs serving Kakadu National Park. You can fly directly to both airports from most major cities in Australia. Once you've arrived at either airport, you'll need to drive or take a 4x4 tour to the park. The journey from Darwin to Kakadu is about 240km, via the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. Making the trip from Alice Springs will likely require you to overnight along the way. Driving on National Highway 1 from Alice Springs takes you through some interesting parts of the Northern Territory, such as Daly Waters and Katherine.

You can drive to Kakadu with either a two or four-wheel drive vehicle, or a motor home. However, you'll need to bring a 4x4 vehicle if you want to explore certain parts of the park on your own. It's a good idea to have some prior experience of driving a 4x4 before attempting this trip, and make sure to refuel your vehicle as often as possible. Many tour companies offer guided trips to and around the park if you would rather not worry about driving to get to your Kakadu accommodation. Most accommodation and lodges are located in and around the town of Jabiru.

What Weather to Expect in Kakadu

Kakadu has two very distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to September, and is generally considered to be the best time to visit the park. Most of the roads are open during this time, and it's the coolest time of the year. The park tends to get very busy in June and July, during the Australian school holiday period. If you visit in May, a number of the waterfalls may still be running, which results in some stunning scenery. The weather is cool enough for a light jacket in the evening but Kakadu generally experiences warm temperatures.

The wet season in Kakadu is from October to April. During this time, it can be very hot and humid. Some of the roads may be closed due to flooding, and there's plenty of insects around. If you pack carefully, you'll have a better experience of Kakadu in the wet season. The waterfalls are in full flood, you'll see wildlife everywhere, and accommodation rates tend to be lower. Pack long-sleeve shirts and trousers for the evenings as extra protection against mosquitoes, and don't forget mosquito repellent.

Holidays with Kids in Kakadu

Head to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where kids can learn about the Indigenous Australian culture in an interactive environment. There are displays showing the stories of the local people and their influence on the area. Gunlom Falls is nearby, and a great place to cool off with a refreshing swim. The falls include a natural infinity pool and plunge pool. The area is free from saltwater crocs, making it safe for the whole family to swim.

At Ubirr on the park's eastern edge, kids can view traditional artwork and hear the stories about the different paintings from local residents. They can even learn some traditional painting techniques during special classes held during the school holidays. There's a 1km walk from the centre to a lookout point that's the perfect place to watch the sunset. There's famous Indigenous Australian paintings on the rocks along the path, and rangers help to explain their meaning. Sunset over the immense floodplain below is worth the walk, with incredible views to behold.

Exploring Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of spectacular attractions. Spend a few days exploring, whether on your own, with rangers, or on guided tours. Take the circular 1.5km walk through the Indigneous Australian shelters at Nourlangie to view some of the best examples of rock art in Australia. Go on a boat cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong to see over 250 bird species, crocodiles, wild horses, wallabies, and buffalo along the shoreline.

During the wet season, take a helicopter flight over Jim Jim Falls to see this spectacular waterfall from the air, and the river it creates. In the dry months, you can drive the challenging 4x4 course that takes you to the top of the falls for a view out over the surrounding countryside. In the southern end of the park, you'll find the Maguk rock pools. There is a 4x4 drive to the pools through a section of rainforest. You can swim in the crystal-clear water of the pools, which are also a popular place to go rock jumping.

Frequently Asked Questions